Abstract: A self-adjusting variable grip locking plier for gripping a workpiece. The plier includes a body, a handle, and a wedge. The plier is designed for extremely fast set up and for easily gripping and holding the workpiece with one hand with absolutely no adjustments ever to make, and provides a larger than ordinary jaw capacity in a very compact design. The plier grips and holds the workpiece with a light or tremendous gripping force with no adjustments ever to make, and with an extremely fast unlocking system, while at the same time fitting into the palm of one hand. When the workpiece is grasped, one simply ratchets the handle until the desired grip is obtained. The more times one squeezes the handle the tighter the grip. This automatically locks the plier at the desired grip. To release the plier one simply pushes the wedge back into the body with the palm of one hand.